Sons of Apollo are a progressive metal supergroup founded by ex-
Dream Theater members
Mike Portnoy and
Derek Sherinian; its lineup also includes
Billy Sheehan (
Winery Dogs,
Mr. Big),
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (ex-
Guns N' Roses), and
Jeff Scott Soto (ex-
Journey).
According to
Portnoy,
Sons of Apollo came together organically. He and Sherinan reunited shortly after he left
Dream Theater in 2010 in an all-instrumental touring band with
Sheehan and
Tony MacAlpine called PSMS. It was their first time working together since the '90s. Though designed as a one-off, the band toured during 2012 and 2013. In the aftermath, Sherinan pursued
Portnoy to create a full-time band. Given
Portnoy's intense schedule, it took nearly three years. In late 2016, other members were recruited and the idea became reality.
Sons of Apollo's debut album,
Psychotic Symphony, was issued in 2017 by InsideOut Music. It was produced by "The Del Fuvio Brothers" (as
Portnoy and Sherinan were affectionately dubbed during their tenure together in
Dream Theater). The concert album
Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony followed in 2019. ~ Thom Jurek